LTB 479/11 - CSS Machines - Fatigue Study, Rest Breaks...

[POSTMAN]

19 May 2011
LTB 479/11 - CSS Machines - Fatigue Study, Rest Breaks & Anti-Fatigue Matting

No. 479/11
Ref C12
Date: 19 May 2011





To: All Postal Branches

Dear Colleagues

CSS Machines - Fatigue Study, Rest Breaks & Anti-Fatigue Matting:

Following enquiries from Branches, please see attached the following information:

LTB 884/2010 dated 11th October 2010 and the attached "Sortation Automation in DOs/MPUs Deployment Guidelines - A guide for managers and CWU representatives". Paragraph 3, of Annex B headed 'Staffing Levels' confirms the minimum core staffing levels and that individuals will only work for approximately 2 hours on the machine followed by a break on other associated work. The guidelines agreed with the Outdoor Department make it clear that individuals can work on the machine for 2 hours then need to move onto other work. In Mail Centres the duty structures and system of work should be based on two hours on and two hours off the CSS machine. In Delivery Offices/Mail Processing Units the duty structures and system of work should be based on a maximum of 2 hours on the machine then a break away from the CSS machine to other work which should be a minimum of 20 minutes. The time away from the machine of 20 minutes in delivery offices is based on the lack of alternative, other work in most DOs. These recommended work methods and breaks are in line with the guidance from Royal Mail's Ergonomists. Also attached is a copy of the Royal Mail CSS Machine Ergonomics Study.


Royal Mail have confirmed that Anti-fatigue matting has arrived in the UK and the fitting of this matting has now commenced.. It is planned to retrofit this to all CSS machine sites awaiting mats by the end of June. It will then be deployed in line with Offices having their CSS machines installed.


A CSS Safety and Ergonomic review meeting to consider job design and work methods will take place with the Royal Mail CSS Project Management Team and Ergonomics Team following CWU Conference. Input/feedback from Branches and Area Reps is welcome.


Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce Bob Gibson
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer Assistant Secretary Outdoor Dept